Prosthetic attachment system

ABSTRACT

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to attachment systems for a prosthetic socket.

BACKGROUND

A typical prosthetic leg and foot includes a socket, pylon, and foot. Asocket is commonly referred to as the portion of a prosthesis that fitsaround and envelops a residual limb or stump, and to which prostheticcomponents, such as a foot, are attached. The socket must fit closely tothe residual limb to provide a firm connection and support, but mustalso be sufficiently loose to allow for circulation. In combination withproper fitting, the socket must transfer loads from the residual limb tothe ground in a comfortable manner.

To increase comfort, it may be provided that a prosthetic liner isarranged between the socket and the residual limb. In general, theprosthetic liner includes an elastomeric body having a closed distal endand an open proximal end that is pulled over the residual limb in themanner of a sock. The prosthetic liner adheres to the residual limbsurface and generates the connection between the residual limb and thesocket.

For attaching the prosthetic liner to the socket, locking pins may beprovided at the distal end of the prosthetic liner and a correspondingattachment lock may be provided at the distal end of the socket, whichlocks the prosthetic liner to the socket after insertion into thesocket. The attachment of the prosthetic liner to the socket can bereleased via an unlocking mechanism.

A further possibility for attaching a socket to a residual limb residesin what is known as vacuum suspension, in which the socket sealsairtight against the prosthetic liner and air present in the spacebetween the prosthetic liner and the socket is pulled or forced out.This creates a suction tending to retain the prosthetic liner within thesocket.

These socket attachment systems have their drawbacks. For instance,vacuum suspension systems can only be used with sockets that areairtight. In addition, the strength and reliability of the connectionbetween the prosthetic liner and the socket can be compromised and/orbroken due to irregular loading of the socket by the user, excessiverelative movement between the prosthetic liner and the socket,perspiration, and/or other factors.

Locking pin-type systems also tend to incorrectly lock if a user doesnot fully insert the locking pin into the lock. This can result infailure of the lock and/or significant injury to the user. In addition,too much free play between the locking pin and the lock can result in aslack connection, such that the residual limb undesirably moves up anddown within the socket when the user is walking (known as pistoning).This can also create noise, which can be of great annoyance andembarrassment to the user. The free play may also lead to premature wearof the pin and lock components which can ultimately result in failure ofthe lock. Locking pin-type systems are also known to make optimumorientation of the residual limb/liner in the socket difficult. Further,the attachment lock is formed into the socket during manufacture. Theorientation must therefore be selected before fitting is performed andthus is not tailored towards a specific patient.

There is thus a need for a prosthetic attachment system that provides amore reliable and secure connection between a residual limb and aprosthetic socket. There is also a need for a prosthetic attachmentsystem that makes donning and doffing a prosthetic socket easier andmore intuitive, and which minimizes pistoning and incorrect locking ofthe system.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes various embodiments of a prosthetic attachmentsystem providing a construction and design that facilitates a morereliable and secure connection between a residual limb and a prostheticsocket.

According to a variation, a prosthetic attachment system includes aninsert arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic liner andan attachment unit arranged for connection to a base distal end of asocket. The insert includes an outer radial surface defining acircumferential locking groove. The attachment unit comprises a bodycarrying a plurality of locking elements and defining a central openingfor selectively receiving the insert.

The locking elements are distributed circumferentially about an axis ofthe body and are radially repositionable relative to the axis. A releasemechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body. Therelease mechanism is repositionable on the body to move the prostheticattachment system between a locked configuration in which the lockingelements move radially inward relative to the axis of the body to lockthe insert in the body and an unlocked configuration in which thelocking elements move radially outward relative to the axis to releasethe insert from the body.

In the locked configuration, the locking elements engage thecircumferential locking groove on the insert in a close-fitting mannerand at multiple points distributed circumferentially about the axis ofthe body, enhancing a strength and/or a stiffness of the attachmentbetween the insert and the attachment unit. As such, axial movement andtilting between the insert and attachment unit are prevented orsubstantially limited. This advantageously helps reduce the likelihoodof undesirable free play and/or slack commonly found in locking pin-typesystems which can result in user discomfort and/or failure of theprosthetic socket system. According to a variation, the attachmentbetween the insert and the attachment unit is arranged to provide aselected amount of free play between the insert and the attachment unit.For instance, the attachment between the insert and the attachment unitcan be arranged to prevent or substantially prevent relative axialmovement but allow an amount of rotation or tilting between the insertand the attachment unit.

The secure attachment between the insert and the attachment unit alsoreduces noise generated at the attachment between the prosthetic linerand the socket during gait, which can be of great annoyance andembarrassment to the user. Moreover, the attachment between the residuallimb and the socket can be automatically effectuated when the insert isinserted into the body, reducing the likelihood of user error andsignificant injury to the user.

According to a variation, when the user wishes to release the insertfrom the attachment unit, the user can push or pull the releasemechanism downward along the outer surface of the body. This generallyaligns an inclined surface on the release mechanism with the lockingelements, providing a clearance or space for the locking elements tomove radially outward. Simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, storedenergy in the attachment unit can force a stop member below the bodyupwardly, driving the locking elements radially outward into engagementwith the inclined surface of the release mechanism. The engagementbetween the inclined surface of the release mechanism and the lockingelements may maintain the prosthetic attachment system in the lockedposition.

According to a variation, the attachment unit includes one or morealignment features for guiding the insert into the attachment unit,advantageously making donning of a socket easier by helping to properlyalign the insert with the attachment unit. Moreover, the insert andcentral opening can be relatively large compared to a conventionallocking pin and corresponding pin hole, which facilitates alignment ofthe prosthetic liner within the socket. This is particularlyadvantageous for elderly users having limited dexterity.

The prosthetic attachment system of the present disclosure thusbeneficially facilitates donning and doffing of a prosthetic socket asgood hand dexterity and/or strength are not required to operate theattachment system. Rather, a prosthetic liner can be automaticallylocked in the socket and easily released from the socket with a simplemanipulation of the release mechanism. In addition, the prostheticattachment system can assist a user with placement of the prostheticliner in the socket. Moreover, the prosthetic attachment system can beused with both conventional airtight sockets and adjustable sockets thatare not airtight, increasing its versatility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood regarding the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a prosthetic socket system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the prosthetic socket system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of a prosthetic liner and a prosthetic attachmentsystem according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the attachment system of FIG. 3 in anunlocked configuration.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the attachment system of FIG. 3 in a lockedconfiguration.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a prosthetic socket systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the attachment unit of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a partial cross section of the prosthetic socket system ofFIG. 6 .

FIG. 9 a is a side perspective view of a prosthetic socket systemincluding a prosthetic attachment system in a locked configurationaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 b is a side perspective view of the prosthetic socket system ofFIG. 9 a showing the attachment system in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of the attachment system of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 11 a is a side view of the attachment system of FIG. 9 a in alocked configuration.

FIG. 11 b is a side view of the attachment system of FIG. 9 a in anunlocked configuration.

FIG. 12 a is a side perspective view of a prosthetic socket systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 b is a partial cross section of the attachment system in FIG. 12a.

FIG. 13 a is a bottom perspective view of a prosthetic socket systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 b is a top perspective view of the lock body of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a lock body according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross section of a prosthetic socket system according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of an attachment system accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross section of the insert of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an attachment system according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the insert of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is a cross section of the insert of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 21 is a side exploded view of an attachment system according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the insert of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of a prosthetic socket systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial exploded view of the attachment system of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 25 is another partial exploded view of the attachment system ofFIG. 23 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may behad from the following description read with the accompanying drawingsin which like reference characters refer to like elements.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in thedrawings and are described below. It should be understood, however,there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specificembodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention covers allmodifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalentsfalling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that unless a term is expressly defined in thisapplication to possess a described meaning, there is no intent to limitthe meaning of such term, either expressly or indirectly, beyond itsplain or ordinary meaning. Any element in a claim that does notexplicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “stepfor” performing a specific function is not to be interpreted as a“means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a prosthetic socket system 10 according anembodiment including a socket 12, a prosthetic liner, and a prostheticattachment system 16 arranged to quickly and securely suspend the socket12 on a residual limb donning the prosthetic liner. The attachmentsystem 16 can include an insert arranged for connection to a distal endof the prosthetic liner and an attachment unit arranged for connectionto a base or distal end of the socket 12. The insert can include anouter radial surface defining a circumferential locking groove and theattachment unit can include a body carrying a plurality of lockingelements and defining a central opening for selectively receiving theinsert.

The locking elements of the body of the attachment unit are distributedcircumferentially about a longitudinal axis 22 of the prosthetic socketsystem 10 and are radially repositionable relative to the longitudinalaxis 22. In an embodiment, the longitudinal axis 22 generallycorresponds to an axis of the body. A release mechanism is slidablypositioned on an outer surface of the body. The release mechanism isrepositionable on the body to move the attachment system 16 between alocked configuration in which the locking elements move or shiftradially inward relative to the longitudinal axis 22, locking the insertin the body and an unlocked configuration in which the locking elementsmove or shift radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis 22,releasing the insert from the body.

In the locked configuration, the locking elements of the body of theattachment unit selectively engage the locking groove on the insert in aclose-fitting manner and at multiple points circumferentiallydistributed about the longitudinal axis 22, enhancing a strength and/ora stiffness of the attachment between the insert and the attachmentunit. As such, axial movement and tilting between the insert and body issubstantially limited. This advantageously helps reduce the likelihoodof undesirable free play and/or slack in the attachment system 16 whichcan result in user discomfort and/or failure of the prosthetic socketsystem 10. According to a variation, the attachment between the insertand the attachment unit is arranged to provide a selected amount of freeplay between the insert and the attachment unit. For instance, theattachment between the insert and the attachment unit can be arranged toprevent or substantially prevent relative axial movement but allow anamount of rotation or tilting between the insert and the attachmentunit.

It also reduces noise generated by the attachment system 16, which canbe of great annoyance and embarrassment to the user. Moreover, theattachment system 16 can automatically lock the insert in the body whenit is received therein, reducing the likelihood of user error andsignificant injury to the user.

When a user wants to release the insert from the attachment unit, theuser can push or pull the release mechanism downward along the outersurface of the body of the attachment unit. This generally aligns aninclined surface on the release mechanism with the locking elements,providing a clearance or space for the locking elements to move radiallyoutward. Simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, stored energy in theattachment unit can drive the locking elements radially inward intoengagement with the inclined surface of the release mechanism. Theengagement between the inclined surface of the release mechanism and thelocking elements may maintain the attachment system in the lockedposition.

It will be appreciated that the attachment unit can include one or morealignment features for guiding the insert into the attachment unit,advantageously making donning of the socket 12 easier by helping toproperly align the insert and prosthetic liner with the attachment unit.It also helps to forgive poor alignment of the prosthetic liner withinthe socket 12. Moreover, the insert and central opening can berelatively large compared to a conventional locking pin andcorresponding pin hole, which facilitates alignment of the prostheticliner 14 within the socket 12. This is particularly advantageous forelderly users having limited dexterity.

Referring now the prosthetic socket system 10 generally, the socket 12can be any suitable type of socket. For instance, the socket 12 cancomprise a conventional socket that is rigid and has a general uniformshape which receives a portion of a residual limb. In the illustratedembodiment, the socket 12 comprises an adjustable socket including abase 18, a plurality of longitudinal supports 20 connected to the base18 and distributed about the longitudinal axis 22, and a plurality ofshell components 24 connected to the longitudinal supports 20. The shellcomponents 24 collectively form a socket wall defining a receivingvolume 26 adapted to receive a residual limb. The base 18 is arranged toprovide support for a distal end of the residual limb and can include atleast a portion of the attachment system 16 for fixing or securing theresidual limb or a liner to the base 18. The longitudinal supports 20are shown comprising medial and lateral supports but can be in anysuitable configuration.

The socket 12 is radially adjustable between an open configuration and aclosed configuration. In the open configuration, at least some of thelongitudinal supports 20 and/or shell components 24 are free to move orare forced radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis 22 of theprosthetic socket system 10, increasing the receiving volume 26 orincreasing a circumference of the socket 12. This effectively loosensthe fit of the prosthetic socket 12 on a residual limb inserted in thereceiving volume 26, or decreases the loading on the residual limb fromthe socket wall.

In the closed configuration, at least some of the longitudinal supports20 and/or the shell components 24 are moved or forced radially inwardrelative to the open configuration, decreasing the receiving volume 26or decreasing the circumference of the socket 12. It will be appreciatedthat movement of any portion of a longitudinal support 20 or a shellcomponent 24 can move the socket 12 between the expanded and closedconfigurations.

A tensioning system 14 is arranged to selectively secure a residual limbwithin the receiving volume 26 by moving the socket 12 between theopen/expanded and closed configurations. Other examples and additionaldetails of suitable prosthetic sockets are included in U.S. Pat. Nos.8,795,385, 9,248,033, 9,050,202, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.14/704,572, 15/151,204, 15/888,403, and 15/888,288, each of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

With reference to FIGS. 3-20 , various embodiments of the attachmentsystem 16 are illustrated. For instance, FIGS. 3-5 illustrate aprosthetic attachment system 100 according to an embodiment including aninsert 102 and an attachment unit 112. As shown in FIG. 3 , the insert102 is arranged to be connected to a prosthetic liner 104. Theprosthetic liner 104 can include a flexible and elongate liner body 106formed from an elastomeric material. The liner body 106 defines an innersurface and an outer surface forming a liner profile between a closeddistal end 108 and an open proximal end. It will be appreciated that theprosthetic liner 104 can be any suitable type of prosthetic liner.

The insert 102 can be connected to the closed distal end 108 in anysuitable manner. For instance, the insert 102 can be threadedly attachedto the closed distal end 108 of the prosthetic liner 104. In otherembodiments, the insert 102 can be integral to the prosthetic liner 104or attached to the closed distal end 108 of the prosthetic liner 104 viaat least one fastener.

The insert 102 includes an outer radial surface defining a lockinggroove 110 extending circumferentially about the insert 102 and an uppersurface arranged for connection to the closed distal end 108 of theprosthetic liner 104. The locking groove 110 can have any suitablecross-sectional shape but is shown having a concave cross-section. Theinsert 102 can be made of any suitable material. The material selectioncan depend on desired function. The insert 102 may include a stiffelastomeric material such as a stiff silicone, enhancing the durabilityand/or stability of the insert 102. The insert 102 can include a stiffplastic material, a metal material, or any other suitable material.

The attachment unit 112 can be integral to a base or distal end of asocket or attached to the base or distal end of the socket. Forinstance, the attachment unit 112 can be connected to the base via atleast one fastener. This can allow for existing sockets to be easilyretrofitted with the attachment unit 112.

The insert 102 can be automatically secured in or against the attachmentunit 112 when the prosthetic liner 104 is positioned in the socket. Forinstance, the attachment unit 112 can be spring loaded to automaticallylock the prosthetic liner 104 and the base of the socket together whenthe insert 102 is inserted in the attachment unit 112, achievingprosthetic suspension. As described above, the attachment system 100advantageously facilitates donning and doffing of the socket, andcreates a secure attachment between the prosthetic liner 104 and asocket. The attachment unit 112 includes a body 114 and a releasemechanism 116 comprising a collar movable positioned on the body 114.The body 114 can include a support body 118, a lock body 120, and a stopmember 122. The body 114 can include a stiff plastic material, a metalmaterial, or any other suitable material.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support body 118 includes an uppersurface that can be in contact with and is arranged to cooperate with abottom surface of the lock body 120 and an outer peripheral surface thatcan be in contact with and is arranged to cooperate with an innersurface 138 of the release mechanism 116. The support body 118 definesan opening 124 having a generally closed bottom arranged for selectivelyreceiving the stop member 122. It will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the support body 118 can be integrated with a base of asocket.

At least one resilient member 126 is disposed between the support body118 and the stop member 122. The at least one resilient member 126 cancomprise a plurality of spring members 128 circumferentially distributedabout the axis 25. The spring members 128 collectively bias the stopmember 122 away from the bottom of the support body 118. The supportbody 118 can define a lower radial flange 130 extending under therelease mechanism 116.

The lock body 120 is supported on and/or connected to the support body118. The lock body 120 may be connected to the support body 118 in anysuitable manner such as via one or more fasteners. While the lock body120 is shown separate from the support body 118, in other embodiments,the support body 118 and the lock body 120 may comprise a single body ormember.

A central opening 130 is defined in the body 114 that is sized andconfigured to receive the insert 102. For instance, the lock body 120can define the central opening 130 and include an annular flange 132surrounding the central opening 130 and extending axially upward andradially away from a top of the central opening 130 as shown in FIG. 4 .The annular flange 132 can funnel or guide the insert 102 into thecentral opening 130. This advantageously makes donning of the socketeasier by helping to align the insert 102 with the attachment unit 112.This also helps forgive poor alignment of the prosthetic liner 104within the socket. Moreover, the insert 102 and central opening 130 canbe relatively large compared to a conventional locking pin andcorresponding pin hole, which facilitates alignment of the prostheticliner 104 within a socket. This is particularly advantageous for elderlyusers having limited dexterity, as the user does not have to “thread theneedle,” so to speak, increasing risk of incorrect attachment andinjury, but rather the user is provided with an intuitive and forgivingattachment procedure.

A plurality of locking elements 134 are carried by the lock body 120.The locking elements 134 can be mounted or otherwise attached to thelock body 120 in any suitable manner. For instance, the locking elements134 can be mounted within holes 136 formed in the lock body 120 arrangedfor receiving the locking elements 134. The holes 136 can be sized andshaped to generally correspond to the locking elements 134.

The locking elements 134 are radially repositionable relative to an axis25 of the body 114 such that the locking elements 134 can at least inpart move into and out of the central opening 130 of the body 114. Thelocking elements 134 can be made of any suitable rigid material. Forinstance, the locking elements 134 may be formed of steel. In otherembodiments, the locking elements 134 may be formed of ceramic materialor plastic material, reducing the overall weight and cost of theattachment unit 112. The locking elements 134 are shown comprising ballbearing elements but can be any suitable locking elements such as, forexample, ring segments or block elements.

The release mechanism 116 is slidably positioned on the body 114 suchthat the release mechanism 116 is axially repositionable along an outersurface of the body 114. The release mechanism 116 includes an innersurface 138 defining a lower interior wall 140 generally correspondingto outer surfaces of the support body 118 and/or the lock body 120, andan inclined surface 142 extending from the lower interior wall 140. Theinclined surface 142 extends upward and radially outward from the lowerinterior wall 140. The inclined surface 142 can be an angled and/orconical surface extending around the central opening 130 of the lockbody 120.

The lower interior wall 140 can generally correspond to an outerperiphery of the support body 118 comprising a pair of parallel sidesconnected by a pair of convex or semi-circular sides at opposite ends.This arrangement beneficially helps prevent relative rotation betweenthe release mechanism 116 and at least the support body 118. The lowerinterior wall 140 of the release mechanism 116 can comprise a generallyupright surface. According to a variation, a top surface of the releasemechanism 116 can define a shoulder 144 generally corresponding to thebottom of the annular flange 132 on the lock body 120. Relative axialmovement between the release mechanism 116 and the lock body 120 can belimited by engagement of the shoulder 144 with the bottom of the annularflange 132.

Axial movement of the release mechanism 116 on the body 114 moves theattachment system 100 between an unlocked configuration (shown in FIG. 4) and a locked configuration (shown in FIG. 5 ) in which the lockingelements 134 lock the insert 102 in the attachment unit 112.

In the unlocked position, the at least one resilient member 126 bias thestop member 122 upwardly away from the support body 118 and into thecentral opening 130 of the lock body 120 such that an outer surface 146of the stop member 122 contacts and drives the locking elements 134radially outward, which, in turn, engage the inclined surface 142 on therelease mechanism 116. This engagement between the locking elements 134and the inclined surface 142 holds or maintains the release mechanism116 in a first or down position and the attachment system 100 in theunlocked configuration.

Optionally, the release mechanism 116 can compress one or more secondaryspring members 148 (shown in FIG. 3 ) disposed between the releasemechanism 116 and the support body 118 when the release mechanism 116 isin the down position. For instance, the one or more secondary springmembers 148 can be positioned between a lower radial flange 150 (shownin FIG. 3 ) of the support body 118 and a lower surface of the releasemechanism 116. The one or more secondary spring members 148 can comprisea plurality of secondary spring members or a single secondary springmember surrounding the support body 118.

When a user positions the prosthetic liner 104 into the socket, theinsert 102 can be guided into the central opening 130 of the lock body120 by the annular flange 132, reducing the likelihood of incorrectliner alignment and improving ease of use. Moreover, the insert 102 andthe central opening 130 are relatively large compared to a conventionallocking pin and corresponding pin hole, which, in turn, facilitatessimpler and easier alignment of the prosthetic liner 104 and donning ofthe socket. As the insert 102 moves through the central opening 130 ofthe lock body 120, the bottom surface of the insert 102 engages andpushes down on the stop member 122 against the force of the at least oneresilient member 126, which, in turn, permits the locking elements 134to move radially inward and the secondary spring members 148 to forcethe release mechanism 116 upward along the outer surface of the body 114toward a second or up position.

As the release mechanism 116 moves upwardly along the outer surface ofthe body 114, the lower interior wall 140 on the release mechanism 116contacts and drives the locking elements 134 radially inward and intothe locking groove 110 of the insert 102. This moves the attachmentsystem 100 into the locked configuration, securely locking the insert102 in the attachment unit 112 and the prosthetic liner 104 in thesocket. The attachment system 100 thus automatically attaches theprosthetic liner 104 to the socket when the insert 102 is inserted intothe body 114, reducing the likelihood of user error and significantinjury to the user. This is advantageous because conventional lockingpin-type systems tend to incorrectly lock if a user does not fullyinsert the locking pin into the lock, leading to potential damage orinjury if the socket and liner detach during use.

In the locked configuration, the locking elements 134 engage the lockinggroove 110 in a close-fitting manner and at multiple points distributedcircumferentially about the axis 25 of the body 114, enhancing astrength and/or a stiffness of the attachment between the insert 102 andthe attachment unit 112. For instance, the locking elements 134 cancreate between about 2 and about 6 (e.g., about 4) physical connectionsbetween the body 114 and the insert 102 about the circumference of theinsert 102. As such, axial movement and/or tilting between the insert102 and the attachment unit 112 are substantially limited. Thisadvantageously helps reduce the likelihood of undesirable free playand/or slack commonly found in locking pin-type systems which can resultin user discomfort and/or failure of the prosthetic socket system. Italso makes the prosthetic suspension of a socket on a residual limb morereliable and less prone to failure due to movement, loading, andperspiration when compared to conventional vacuum suspension systems.Further, the attachment system 100 can be safely and conveniently usedwith a socket that is not airtight.

The stability of the attachment between the insert 102 and theattachment unit 112 also reduces noise generated at the attachmentbetween the prosthetic liner and the socket during gait, which can be ofgreat annoyance and embarrassment to the user. According to a variation,the attachment between the insert 102 and the attachment unit 112 isarranged to provide a selected amount of free play between the insert102 and the attachment unit 112. For instance, the attachment betweenthe insert 102 and the attachment unit 112 can be arranged to prevent orsubstantially prevent relative axial movement but allow an amount ofrotation or tilting between the insert 102 and the attachment unit 112.

When the user wants to release the insert 102 and/or the prostheticliner 104 from the attachment unit 112, the user can move the releasemechanism 116 downward on the body 114 against the force of thesecondary spring members 148. In an embodiment, the user can push orpull the release mechanism 116 downward along the outer surface of thebody 114. This generally aligns the inclined surface 142 of the innersurface 138 of the release mechanism 116 with the locking elements 134,providing a clearance or space for the locking elements 134 to moveradially outward.

Simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, stored energy in the at leastone resilient member 126 forces the stop member 122 upwardly, drivingthe locking elements 134 radially outward into engagement with theinclined surface 142 of the release mechanism 116 and out of engagementwith the locking groove 110. These biased engagements prevent therelease mechanism 116 from undesirably moving back toward the upposition. The at least one resilient member 126 also allows a user tomove the attachment system 100 toward the unlocked configuration withless strength and/or dexterity because the stored energy in the at leastone resilient member 126 assists the user in moving the releasemechanism 116 toward the down position, improving ease of use.

According to a variation, the attachment unit 112 and/or insert 102 canbe arranged to provide an indicator (e.g., a click or vibration) whenthe attachment system 100 has moved to the locked configuration, helpinga user determine when a socket is safely suspended on the residual limb.This advantageously improves ease of use and helps reduce the likelihoodof injury to a user.

The attachment unit 112 and/or insert 102 may also be arranged toprovide a unique indicator (e.g., a double click) when the attachmentsystem 100 has moved to the unlocked configuration, signaling to a userthat the socket is ready to be doffed. This advantageously improves easeof use and helps reduce the likelihood of over-exertion by the user.

The attachment system 100 can include at least one manipulation feature152 arranged to help a user move the attachment system 100 between thelocked configuration and the unlocked configuration. For instance, theat least one manipulation feature 152 can comprise a circumferentialprotruding part or ridge 154 on the release mechanism 116. The ridge 154is sized to assist the user in moving the attachment system 100 towardthe unlocked configuration.

The attachment system 100 thus beneficially facilitates donning anddoffing of a prosthetic socket as good hand dexterity and muscularstrength are not required to operate the attachment system 100. Rather,the prosthetic liner 104 can be automatically locked in the socket andeasily released from the prosthetic liner 104 with a simple manipulationof the release mechanism 116. In addition, the attachment system 100 canassist a user with placement of the prosthetic liner 104 in the socket,improving ease of use. Moreover, the attachment system 100 can be usedwith both conventional airtight sockets and adjustable sockets that arenot airtight, increasing its versatility.

It will be appreciated that while the release mechanism 116 is shown asa collar, in other embodiments, it can comprise any suitable type ofrelease mechanism. For instance, the release mechanism 116 can compriseone or more buttons, levers, cam mechanisms, handles, ramp members,combinations thereof, or any other suitable release mechanism.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a prosthetic socket system 30 according to anotherembodiment. It will be appreciated that the prosthetic socket system 30may be similar in many respects to the prosthetic socket system 10 andmay incorporate any feature described herein.

The prosthetic socket system 30 includes a socket 32, a prosthetic liner204, and a prosthetic attachment system 200 arranged to quickly andsecurely suspend the socket 32 on a residual limb donning the prostheticliner 204. The socket 32 comprises an adjustable socket including a base38, and a plurality of longitudinal supports 40 connected to the base38. The longitudinal supports 40 are distributed about a longitudinalaxis 42 of the prosthetic socket system 30. For ease of reference, thesocket 32 is shown without shell components attachable to thelongitudinal supports 40.

The attachment system 200 includes an insert 202 arranged for connectionto the prosthetic liner 204 and an attachment unit 212 arranged forconnection to the base 38 of the socket 30. The attachment unit 212includes a release mechanism 216 arranged to help move the attachmentsystem 200 between a locked configuration in which the insert 202 islocked in the attachment unit 212, and an unlocked configuration inwhich the insert 202 is released from the attachment unit 212. Similarto the attachment system 100, the attachment system 200 is arranged toautomatically move to the locked configuration when the insert 202 isinserted in the attachment unit 212.

The attachment unit 212 includes a body 214 having a support body 218, alock body 220, and a stop member 222. The release mechanism 216comprises a collar movably positioned on the body 214. The support body218 includes a central portion 256 defining an opening 224 having agenerally closed bottom arranged for selectively receiving the stopmember 222, a base section 258 below the central portion 256, and aplurality of wall sections 260 extending upwardly from the base section258.

A radial space or gap 262 is formed between the central portion 256 andthe wall sections 260 to accommodate axial movement of the releasemechanism 216 on the body 214 between the wall sections 260 and thecentral portion 256. This advantageously helps reduce the overall sizeand profile of the attachment system 200 because the main outer diameterof the release mechanism 216 is generally smaller than the outerdiameter of the support body 218. One or more circumferential gaps areformed between adjacent ones of the wall sections 260 to accommodate amanipulation feature of the release mechanism 216 described below whenthe attachment system 200 is in an unlocked configuration.

Referring to FIG. 8 , at least one resilient member 226 is disposedbetween the support body 218 and the stop member 222. The at least oneresilient member 226 comprises a single central spring member 228positioned within the opening 224 of the support body 218. The centralspring member 228 is arranged to bias the stop member 222 away from thebottom of the support body 218 or away from the base 38. The lock body220 carries a plurality of locking elements 234 and is supported byand/or attached to the support body 218. The locking elements 234 areradially repositionable relative to the longitudinal axis 42. In anembodiment, the longitudinal axis 42 generally corresponds to an axis ofthe body 214.

The release mechanism 216 is slidably positioned on an outer surface ofthe body 214 such that the release mechanism 216 can be axially orvertically repositioned on the body 214 to radially reposition thelocking elements 234 relative to the longitudinal axis 42, which, inturn, moves the attachment system 200 between the locked configurationand the unlocked configuration.

The release mechanism 216 defines an inner surface 238 having a lowerinterior wall 240 and an inclined surface 242 extending upwardly andradially outwardly from the lower interior wall 240. The lower interiorwall 240 can generally correspond to the outer surface of the lock body220 and the outer surface of the central portion 256. For instance, thelower interior wall 240 can form a periphery having a pair of parallelsides connected by a pair of convex or semicircular sides at oppositeends. This arrangement beneficially helps prevent relative rotationbetween the release mechanism 216 and the body 214.

The attachment system 200 can include at least one manipulation feature252 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) arranged to help a user move theattachment system 200 between the locked configuration and the unlockedconfiguration. The at least one manipulation feature 252 can comprise abutton part 254 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) on the release mechanism 216sized and configured to assist a user in moving the attachment system200 toward the unlocked configuration.

In the unlocked configuration, the central spring member 228 biases thestop member 222 upwardly within a central opening 230 of the lock body220 such that an outer surface of the stop member 222 contacts anddrives the locking elements 234 radially outward relative to thelongitudinal axis 42, which, in turn, engage the inclined surface 242 ofthe release mechanism 216.

This engagement between the locking elements 234 and the inclinedsurface 242 of the release mechanism 216 holds or maintains the releasemechanism 216 in a first or down position on the body 214. According toa variation, one or more secondary spring members 248 are positionedbetween the base section 258 of the support body 218 and the releasemechanism 216. The one or more secondary spring members 248 can becompressed when the attachment system 200 is in the unlocked positionand can comprise a plurality of secondary spring members or a singlesecondary spring member surrounding the support body 218.

When the insert 202 is inserted into the central opening 230 of the lockbody 220, the insert 202 exerts a downward force on the stop member 222against the force of the central spring member 228, which, in turn,permits the locking elements 234 to move radially inward and the one ormore secondary spring members 248 to force or drive the releasemechanism 216 upward along the outer surface of the body 214 from afirst position toward a second or up position.

As the release mechanism 216 moves upwardly, the lower interior wall 240of the release mechanism 216 contacts and drives the locking elements234 radially inward and into the locking groove 210 of the insert 202.This moves the attachment system 200 to the locked configuration,locking or securing the insert 202 in the attachment unit 212. In thelocked configuration, the locking elements 234 engage the locking groove210 in a close-fitting manner and at multiple points about the body 214,enhancing a strength and/or a stiffness of the attachment between theinsert 202 and the attachment unit 212. As such, axial movement and/ortilting movement between the insert 202 and the attachment unit 212 areprevented or substantially limited. This advantageously helps reduce thelikelihood of undesirable free play and/or slack commonly found inlocking pin-type systems which can result in user discomfort and/orfailure of the prosthetic socket system. It also makes the prostheticsuspension of a socket on a residual limb more reliable and less proneto failure due to movement, loading, and perspiration when compared toconventional vacuum suspension systems. Moreover, the insert 202automatically locks in the attachment unit 212 when the insert 202 isreceived in the central opening 230, reducing the likelihood of usererror.

According to a variation, the attachment between the insert 202 and theattachment unit 212 is arranged to provide a selected amount of freeplay between the insert 202 and the attachment unit 212. For instance,the attachment between the insert 202 and the attachment unit 212 can bearranged to prevent or substantially prevent relative axial movement butallow an amount of rotation or tilting between the insert 202 and theattachment unit.

When the user wants to release the insert 202 and the liner 204 from theattachment unit 212, the user can move the release mechanism 216downward on the body 214 against the force of the one or more secondaryspring members 248. If desired, the user can use the at least one buttonpart 254 to move the release mechanism 216 downward on the body 214.This generally aligns the inclined surface 242 of the release mechanism216 with the locking elements 234 carried by the lock body 220,providing a space or clearance for the locking elements 234 to moveradially outward relative to the longitudinal axis 42. Simultaneously ornearly simultaneously, stored energy in the central spring member 228forces the stop member 222 upwardly within the body 214, driving thelocking elements 234 radially outward into engagement with the inclinedsurface 242 of the release mechanism 216. This advantageously helpsprevent the release mechanism 216 from inadvertently moving back towardthe locked position.

The prosthetic liner 204 can thus be automatically locked in the socket32 and easily released from the socket 32 with a simple, easy, andintuitive manipulation of the release mechanism 216 on the body 214.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate yet another embodiment of a prosthetic socketsystem 50. It will be appreciated that the prosthetic socket system 50may be similar in many respects to the prosthetic socket systems 10 and30 and may incorporate any feature described herein. The prostheticsocket system 50 can include a socket 52 having a base 58, a prostheticliner 304, and a prosthetic attachment system 300 arranged to quicklyand securely suspend the socket 52 on a residual limb donning theprosthetic liner 304. For ease of reference, the socket 52 is shownwithout longitudinal supports connectable to the base 58 or shellcomponents connectable to longitudinal supports.

The attachment system 300 includes an insert 302 arranged for connectionto the prosthetic liner 304, and an attachment unit 312 arranged forconnection to a base 58 of the socket 52. The attachment unit 312 can beattached to the base 58 via a single fastener 313 (shown in FIG. 10 ).

Like in other embodiments, the attachment unit 312 includes a releasemechanism 316 arranged to help move the attachment system 300 between alocked configuration in which the insert 302 is locked in the attachmentunit 312 (shown in FIG. 9A) and an unlocked configuration in which theinsert 302 is released from the attachment unit 312 (shown in FIG. 9B).The attachment system 300 is arranged to automatically move to thelocked configuration when the insert 302 is inserted in the attachmentunit 312.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the attachment unit 312 includes a body 314having a support body 318, a lock body 320 carrying a plurality oflocking elements 334 that are radially repositionable relative to anaxis 62 of the body 314, and a stop member 322. The support body 318defines an opening 324 arranged for selectively receiving the stopmember 322. The release mechanism 316 comprises a collar movablypositioned on the body 314.

In the unlocked position, a central spring member 328 biases the stopmember 322 upwardly within a central opening 330 of the body 314 suchthat an outer surface of the stop member 322 contacts and drives thelocking elements 334 radially outward, which, in turn, engage aninclined surface 342 on the release mechanism 316. This engagement holdsor maintains the release mechanism 316 in a first or down position onthe body 314. One or more secondary spring members 348 are positionedbetween the release mechanism 316 and the support body 318. In theillustrated embodiment, the one or more secondary spring members 348comprises a single spring member 362 with a central portion 356 of thesupport body 318 extending through a center of the spring member 362.The single spring member 362 helps reduce the overall size of theattachment unit 312 by at least in part accommodating the support body318.

When the insert 302 is inserted into the central opening 330 of the lockbody 320, the insert 302 exerts a downward force on the stop member 322against the force of the central spring member 328. This permits thelocking elements 334 to move radially inward and the spring member 362to force or drive the release mechanism 316 upward along the outersurface of the body 314 toward a second or up position on the body 314.As the release mechanism 316 moves upwardly, a lower interior wall 340of the release mechanism 316 contacts and drives the locking elements334 radially inward relative to the axis 62 of the body 314 and into alocking groove 310 of the insert 302. This moves the attachment system300 to the locked configuration, locking or securing the insert 302 inthe attachment unit 312. As discussed above, the locking elements 334selectively engage a locking groove 310 of the insert 302 in aclose-fitting manner and at multiple points about the axis 62 of thebody 314, enhancing a strength and/or a stiffness of the attachmentbetween the insert 302 and the attachment unit 312.

According to a variation, one or more channels 380 are formed in thesupport body 318 that traverse the opening 324. The one or more channels380 can have any suitable configuration but are shown comprising asingle channel extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the body314. The one or more channels 380 are arranged such that when theattachment system 300 moves toward the locked configuration or the stopmember 322 moves toward the bottom of the opening 324 air is permittedto vent from the opening 324 via the one or more channels 380. Thisadvantageously helps increase operational speed of the attachment system300 by reducing the likelihood of an air cushion or pressure increase inthe support body 318 that could slow down movement of the stop member322 within the opening 324. In other embodiments, the one or morechannels can be formed in the lock body 320 such that the channels ventthe central opening 330.

When the user wishes to release the insert 302 and the liner 304 fromthe attachment unit 312, the user can move the release mechanism 316downward on the body 314. This generally aligns the inclined surface 342of the release mechanism 316 with the locking elements 334, providing aspace or clearance for the locking elements 334 to move radially outwardand to disengage the locking groove 310. Simultaneously or nearlysimultaneously, stored energy in the central spring member 328 forcesthe stop member 322 upwardly along the outer surface of the body 314,driving the locking elements 334 radially inward into engagement withthe inclined surface 342 of the release mechanism 316.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 a and 11 b, the attachment system 300 includesat least one manipulation feature 352 to help a user move the attachmentsystem 300 between the locked configuration and the unlockedconfiguration. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onemanipulation feature 352 comprises a release handle 364 including a pairof arms 366 pivotally connected to the attachment unit 312 and a middlepart 368 (shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b ) extending between the arms 366.It will be appreciated that the release handle 364 can have any suitableconfiguration. For instance, the release handle 364 may include a singlearm attached to the body 314 that wraps in part around the body 314.

The middle part 368 can be adapted to facilitate manipulation of therelease handle 364. For instance, the middle part 368 can have a sizecorresponding to one or two fingers of a user such that a user can useone or two fingers to comfortably push down on the release handle 364,moving the attachment system 300 to the unlocked configuration. Themiddle part 368 can be flattened with a radial inner edge generallycorresponding to the curvature of the body 314, helping to reduce theoverall size, profile, and weight of the attachment system 300.

The arms 366 extend between the middle part 368 and the body 314 of theattachment unit 312. The arms 366 can be attached to the body 314 viapivot connections 370 and to the release mechanism 316 via movableconnection points 374.

The pivot connections 370 can be defined by fasteners 372. The movableconnection points 374 can be defined by a key or pin 376 on each arm 366arranged to interact with slots 378 defined by the release mechanism316. The slots 378 guide and carry the pins 376. The slots 378 can beangled or inclined relative to horizontal. In other embodiments, theslots 378 can be curved. The pin 376 is spaced from the pivot connection370 by a distance that can be controlled to adjust the axialdisplacement between the release mechanism 316 and the lock body 320described below.

As seen, the arms 366 can have an increased width proximate the body314. For instance, each arm 366 can define an enlarged portion 381including the pin 376 and at least part of the pivot connection 370.This helps strengthen and facilitate the connection between the arms 366and the body 314.

When a user pushes down on the middle part 368, the release handle 364rotates about the pivot connections 370 in a first direction. Thisrotation moves the pins 376 along the slots 378, which, in turn, pushesthe release mechanism 316 toward the down position and the attachmentsystem 300 toward the unlocked configuration. More particularly, slidingcontact between the pins 376 and sliding contact areas 379 defined bythe slots 378 pushes the release mechanism 316 downward on the body 314.

It will also be appreciated that the length of the arms 366 between themiddle part 368 and the pivot connections 370 can define a moment armthat provides a user a mechanical advantage, as the release handle 364requires less user strength to move the attachment system 300 from thelocked configuration to the unlocked configuration. This advantageouslyimproves comfort and ease of use, especially for users with limiteddexterity or cognition.

When the insert 302 is inserted into the central opening 330 of the lockbody 320, the spring member 362 forces or drives the release mechanism316 upward along the outer surface of the body 314. This axial movementof the release mechanism 316 on the body 314 generates sliding contactbetween the pins 376 and the slots 378, which, in turn, rotates therelease handle 364 about the pivot connections 370 in a second directionopposite the first direction, moving the release handle 364 back towardits original position as the attachment system 300 moves toward thelocked configuration.

The release handle 364 thus provides a fast and intuitive mechanism tomove the attachment system 300 from the locked configuration toward theunlocked configuration. Moreover, the release handle 364 can provide avisual indicator of the status of the attachment system 300. Forinstance, if the release handle 364 is up, the user can easily surmisethat the attachment system 300 is in the locked configuration, and ifthe release handle 364 is down, the user can likewise easily surmisethat the attachment system 300 is in the unlocked configuration.

It will be appreciated that the attachment unit of the presentdisclosure can have any suitable configuration. For instance, FIGS. 12 aand 12 b illustrate yet another embodiment of an attachment system 900including a body without a distinct support body, helping to reduce theoverall size and number of parts of the attachment unit. As shown, theattachment system 900 includes an insert 902 arranged for connection toa prosthetic liner and an attachment unit 912 arranged for connection toa base 98 of a socket 92.

The attachment unit 912 includes a release mechanism 916 arranged to inpart move the attachment system 900 between a locked configuration inwhich the insert 902 is locked in the attachment unit 912, and anunlocked configuration in which the insert 902 is released from theattachment unit 912. Similar to other embodiments, the attachment system900 can be arranged to automatically move to the locked configurationwhen the insert 902 is inserted in the attachment unit 912. At least onemanipulation feature 952 comprising a release handle 964 is attached tothe attachment unit 912 to help move the attachment system 900 betweenthe locked and unlocked configurations.

The attachment unit 912 includes a body 914 comprising a lock body 920,and a stop member 922. The lock body 920 can be attachable to orintegrated with the base 98 of the socket 92. In other words, the body914 does not include a separate support body. This can help reduce theoverall size and number of parts of the attachment unit 912, makinginstallation and manufacturing of the attachment unit 912 simpler andeasier.

At least one resilient member 926 comprising a single central springmember 928 is positioned between the stop member 922 and the base 98.The central spring member 928 is arranged to bias the stop member 922away from the base 98. The lock body 920 carries a plurality of lockingelements 934 and is supported by and/or attached to the base 98. Thelocking elements 934 are radially repositionable relative to an axis 95of the body 914. The release mechanism 916 is slidably positioned on anouter surface of the body 914 such that the release mechanism 916 can beaxially or vertically repositioned on the body 914 to radiallyreposition the locking elements 934 relative to the axis 95 of the body914, which, in turn, moves the attachment system 900 between the lockedconfiguration and the unlocked configuration.

In the unlocked configuration, the central spring member 928 biases thestop member 922 upwardly within a central opening 930 of the lock body920 such that an outer surface of the stop member 922 contacts anddrives the locking elements 934 radially outward relative to the axis 95of the body 914, which, in turn, engages an inclined surface along theinner surface of the release mechanism 916.

One or more secondary spring members 948 are positioned between the base98 and the release mechanism 916. The one or more secondary springmembers 948 comprise a single secondary spring member 962 surroundingthe lock body 920. The single secondary spring member 962 can be a coilspring or any other suitable resilient member. As seen, at least aportion of the single secondary spring member 962 can be positionedwithin an annular recess 951 defined in a bottom surface of the releasemechanism 916, which, in turn, helps maintain the position of the singlesecondary spring member 962 within the attachment unit 912. Optionally,an annular groove 953 can be defined in the upper surface of the base 98to help maintain the position of the single secondary spring member 962.

When the insert 902 is inserted into the central opening 930 of the lockbody 920, the insert 902 exerts a downward force on the stop member 922against the force of the central spring member 928, which, in turn,permits the locking elements 934 to move radially inward and the singlesecondary spring member 962 to force or drive the release mechanism 916upward along the outer surface of the body 914 from a first positiontoward a second or up position. It will be appreciated that the centralopening 930 of the lock body 920 is sized and configured to receive boththe insert 902 and the stop member 922.

As the release mechanism 916 moves upwardly, the inner surface of therelease mechanism 916 contacts and drives the locking elements 934radially inward into a locking groove 910 of the insert 902. This movesthe attachment system 900 to the locked configuration, locking orsecuring the insert 902 in the attachment unit 912. This advantageouslyhelps reduce the likelihood of undesirable free play and/or slackcommonly found in locking pin-type systems which can result in userdiscomfort and/or failure of the prosthetic socket system. It also makesthe prosthetic suspension of a socket on a residual limb more reliableand less prone to failure due to movement, loading, and perspirationwhen compared to conventional vacuum suspension systems.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate yet another embodiment of a prostheticsocket system 70. It will be appreciated that the prosthetic socketsystem 70 may be similar in many respects to the prosthetic socketsystems 10, 30, and 50 and may include any of the features describedherein. The prosthetic socket system 70 can include a socket 72, aprosthetic liner, and a prosthetic attachment system 400. The socket 72includes a base 78, a plurality of longitudinal supports 80 connected tothe base 78, and a plurality of shell components 84 connected to thelongitudinal supports 80.

Similar to the other attachment systems, the attachment system 400includes an attachment unit 412 having a body 414 comprising a supportbody 418 and a lock body 420. The lock body 420 defines a centralopening 430 and is arranged to carry a plurality of locking elements.

A plurality of petals or prongs 482 are distributed around the centralopening 430 and extend upwardly and radially outwardly from an annularflange 432. The prongs 482 can be spaced apart by spaces 484 and aresized and configured to help enhance capture of the distal end of aresidual limb positioned in the socket 72. The prongs 482 form ananatomically shaped receiving space on the lock body 420 adapted toreceive the distal end of a residual limb. It will be appreciated thatthe prongs 482 can have any suitable configuration. For instance, theprongs 482 can be overmolded on the lock body 420, integrally formedwith the lock body 420, or attached to the lock body 420. The prongs 482can be curved or rounded. The prongs 482 can have a generally triangularshape. The prongs 482 can have a generally rectangular shape or theprongs 482 can have any other suitable shape.

The prongs 482 help create a connection between the attachment unit 412and a distal end of a prosthetic liner when the prosthetic liner isinserted in the socket 72. Moreover, the prongs 482 both engage andalign the distal end of the prosthetic liner within the socket 72. Theprongs 482 can thus control or help set the position of the prostheticliner with respect to the attachment unit 412 when the liner is insertedin the socket 72, facilitating proper positioning of the prostheticliner with respect to the attachment unit 412. This beneficially assistswith donning the socket 72 for new or elderly users who may be unsure orunaware of how to properly don the socket 72, making proper use of theprosthetic socket system 70 simpler and easier.

According to a variation, the prongs 482 can have a resilient, flexible,and/or semi rigid configuration that helps the lock body 420 enhance theconnection between the liner and the attachment unit 412 as the socket72 moves between open and closed configurations. For instance, as thesocket 72 moves from the open configuration toward the closedconfiguration, at least some of the longitudinal supports 80 and/orshell components 84 are moved or forced radially inward relative to theopen configuration, decreasing a receiving volume of the socket 72 ordecreasing the circumference of the socket 72. If a distal region of theshell components 84 engage with the prongs 482, the shell components 84can force the prongs 482 radially inward onto the distal end of theresidual limb positioned on the attachment unit 412, enhancing theconnection between the prosthetic liner and the attachment unit 412.This beneficially can help improve prosthetic suspension and ease ofuse.

FIG. 14 illustrates a body 514 of a prosthetic attachment system 500according to yet another embodiment. The body 514 comprises a lock body520 defining a central opening 530 for receiving an insert and isarranged to carry a plurality of locking elements 534. The lockingelements 534 are distributed circumferentially about an axis 501 of thebody 514 and are radially repositionable relative to the axis 501. Thelocking elements 534 are shown comprising discrete ring segments but maybe any suitable locking elements.

Similar to other embodiments, a release mechanism can be slidablypositioned on the lock body 520 to move the attachment system between alocked configuration in which the locking elements 534 shift radiallyinward relative to the axis 501 to lock the insert in the centralopening 530 and an unlocked configuration in which the locking elements534 shift radially outward relative to the axis 501, which, in turn,releases the insert from the body 514.

In the locked configuration, the locking elements 534 can extend alonglengths of the locking groove of the insert. This increases the contactarea between the locking elements 534 and the body 514, which, in turn,strengthens the attachment between the insert and the body 514. Thisadvantageously makes the attachment of the socket to the residual limbmore reliable and less prone to failure.

FIG. 15 shows a prosthetic attachment system 600 according to yetanother embodiment. It will be appreciated that the attachment system600 may be similar in many respects to the attachment systems 100, 200,300, 400, and 500. The attachment system 600 includes an insert 602arranged to be connected to a prosthetic liner and an attachment unit612 comprising a distal portion of a socket 601. The socket 601 can be aconventional socket that is rigid and has a general uniform shape. Inother embodiments, the socket 601 can be an adjustable socket.

The insert 602 includes an outer radial surface defining acircumferential locking groove 610 and an upper surface arranged toengage a distal end of the liner. The insert 602 can be connected to theliner in any suitable manner. The attachment unit 612 comprises a body614 defining a central opening 630 sized and configured to receive theinsert 602. The body 614 can exhibit any suitable shape and can beintegral to the socket 601 or can be separate from and attached to thesocket 601.

A plurality of locking elements 634 are mounted or otherwise attached tothe body 614 within at least one recess or groove 686 formed in asidewall of the central opening 630. The locking elements 634 can be anysuitable locking elements but are shown as wheel members or ballbearings. The locking elements 634 can be made of any suitable material.

Similar to other embodiments, the attachment system 600 is movablebetween an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration (shown inFIG. 15 ) in which the locking elements 634 are received in the lockinggroove 610, locking the insert 602 in the body 614. As shown, springmembers 688 are located in the at least one recess 686 and bias thelocking elements 634 radially inward and into the central opening 630.As the insert 602 is inserted downward into the central opening 630, theouter radial surface of the insert 602 engages and forces the lockingelements 634 radially outward into the at least one recess 686, which,in turn, compresses the spring members 688. According to a variation,the outer radial surface of the insert 602 rotates the locking elements634 as the insert 602 is moved downward through the central opening 630,making insertion of the inert 602 in the central opening 630 easier.

When the locking groove 610 of the insert 602 is axially positioned ingeneral alignment with the locking elements 634, stored energy in thespring members 688 drives the locking elements 634 into the lockinggroove 610, automatically and securely locking the insert 602 in theattachment unit 612. Optionally, the insert 602 is sized and configuredsuch that the locking elements 634 lock in the locking groove 610 when abottom of the insert 602 is at or near a bottom of the central opening630. It will be appreciated that the attachment system 600 includes arelease mechanism adapted to selectively release the locking elements634 from the locking groove 610.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an insert 702 for use in a prostheticattachment system 700 according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The insert 702 includes an outer radial surface defining acircumferential locking groove 710 and an upper surface arranged forconnection to a distal end 703 of a prosthetic liner 704. The uppersurface of the insert 702 can have a concave shape or any other suitableshape. A bottom surface of the insert 702 defines an opening 790arranged to receive a fastener 792 that threadedly attaches the insert702 to the distal end 703 of the prosthetic liner 704. The opening 790can include a counter bore 794 for accommodating a head portion of thefastener 792.

As shown, a spacer 796 is located between the insert 702 and the distalend 703 of the prosthetic liner 704. A bottom surface of the spacer 796defines an opening 798 for receiving the fastener 792 and/or aconnecting portion 701 of the prosthetic liner 704.

The insert 702 includes at least one positioning feature for generatingan amount of play or movement in the attachment between the insert 702and the prosthetic liner 704. This selected amount of play or movementadvantageously allows a user to more easily position the insert 702 inan attachment unit of the present disclosure and/or locate theattachment unit, facilitating donning of a prosthetic socket. In theillustrated embodiment, the at least one positioning feature comprisesthe opening 790 of the insert 702 being oversized relative to a shaftportion 705 of the fastener 792. More particularly, a diameter of theopening 790 is greater than a diameter of the shaft portion 705. Theoversized opening 790 in combination with the concave shape of the uppersurface of the insert 702 allows the insert 702 to float or move fromside to side on the spacer 796. The play or movement in the connectionbetween the insert 702 and the prosthetic liner 704 beneficially allowsat least some self-alignment or adjustment of the insert 702 while beinginserted into an attachment unit, making donning of a prosthetic socketsystem easier.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an insert 1002 including at least one positioningfeature according to another embodiment. The insert 1002 includes anouter radial surface defining a circumferential locking groove 1010 andan upper surface 1003 for connection to a distal end of a prostheticliner. The upper surface 1003 can have a concave shape or any othersuitable shape. An opening 1090 is defined in the insert 1002 forreceiving a fastener 1092 arranged to attach the insert 1002 to theprosthetic liner. The opening 1090 can include a lower portion 1094arranged to engage with a head portion 1098 of the fastener 1092, and anupper portion 1096 arranged to receive a connecting portion of theprosthetic liner.

The insert 1002 includes at least one positioning feature forfacilitating insertion of the insert 1002 in an attachment unit of thepresent disclosure. The at least one positioning feature comprises oneor more deformable members arranged to provide an amount of play orself-adjustment in the connection between the insert 1002 and aprosthetic liner via deformation. The one or more deformable members caninclude a first deformable member 1005 located on the upper surface 1003of the insert 1002, and a second deformable member 1007 locating in thelower portion 1094 of the opening 1092.

The first deformable member 1005 is arranged to engage with the distalend of the prosthetic liner and deform between the insert 1002 and thedistal end of the prosthetic liner, which, in turn, allows for a smallamount of movement or angular misalignment between the insert 1002 andthe distal end of the prosthetic liner. The second deformable member1007 is arranged to engage with the head portion 1098 of the fastener1092 and deform between the insert 1002 and the fastener 1092, which, inturn, allows for a small amount of movement or angular misalignmentbetween the insert 1002 and the fastener 1092 and the distal end of theprosthetic liner. The play provided by the first and/or seconddeformable members 1005, 1007 in the connection between the insert 1002and the prosthetic liner advantageously allows at least someself-alignment or adjustment of the insert 1002 while being insertedinto the attachment unit, facilitating donning of a prosthetic socketsystem.

The deformable members 1005, 1007 can be separate from and attached tothe insert 1002. In other embodiments, the deformable members 1005, 1007can be overmolded onto the insert 1002. The deformable members 1005,1007 can be made of elastomeric material, foam material, or any othersuitable material. The deformable members 1005, 1007 can be resilient.The deformable members 1005, 1007 can comprise gaskets, rings, ringsegments, bars, or any other suitable members.

According to a variation, the deformable members 1005, 1007 can beformed of one or more different materials selected to vary the amount ofmovement or play created between the insert 1002 and the prostheticliner and/or fastener 1092. For instance, the deformable members 1005,1007 can be formed with materials having greater durometers to reducethe amount of deformation of the deformable members 1005, 1007. Thedeformable members 1005, 1007 can be selected based on a size ordimension to vary the amount of movement or play created between theinsert 1002 and the prosthetic liner and/or fastener 1092. By way ofexample, a deformable member having a greater cross-sectional diametermay be selected to provide more movement or play than a differentdeformable member having a smaller cross-sectional diameter.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an insert 1102 including at least onepositioning feature according to another embodiment. The insert 1102includes an outer radial surface defining a circumferential lockinggroove 1110 and an upper surface arranged for connection to a distal endof a prosthetic liner. An opening 1190 is defined in the insert 1102 forreceiving a fastener 1192 arranged to attach the insert 1102 to theprosthetic liner.

The insert 1102 includes at least one positioning feature forfacilitating insertion of the insert 1102 in an attachment unit of thepresent disclosure. The at least one positioning feature comprises arotating joint 1111 positionable in the opening 1190 of the insert 1102.The rotating joint 1111 defines a through hole for receiving thefastener 1192 and interacts with the fastener 1192. The rotating joint1111 is arranged to allow a small or limited amount of rotation or playbetween the fastener 1192 and the insert 1102, which, in turn, providesa small or limited amount of rotation or play between the prostheticliner and the insert 1102. The play provided by the rotating joint 1111in the connection between the insert 1102 and the prosthetic lineradvantageously allows at least some self-alignment or adjustment of theinsert 1102 while being inserted into the attachment unit, facilitatingdonning of a prosthetic socket system. It will be appreciated that therotating joint 1111 can comprise a swivel joint, a spherical bearing, orany other suitable rotating joint. The rotating joint 1111 may be formedof plastic material, metal, combinations thereof, or any other suitablematerial.

FIGS. 23-25 illustrate yet another embodiment of a prosthetic socketsystem 800. It will be appreciated that the prosthetic socket system 800may be similar in many respects to the prosthetic socket systemsdescribed above. The prosthetic socket system 800 can include socket801, a prosthetic liner 804, and a prosthetic attachment system 805. Thesocket 801 includes a base 807 and a plurality of longitudinal supports809 connected to the base 807. The attachment system 805 includes aninsert 811 arranged for connection to the prosthetic liner 804 and anattachment unit 813 integrated with the base 807.

The insert 811 can be made of any suitable material. The materialselection can depend on desired function. The insert 811 can include anelastomeric polymer arranged to provide cushioning to a distal end of aresidual limb. The insert 811 can include a plastic material having astiff configuration, enhancing the durability of the insert 811.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the insert 811 can define a through-hole 815 forreceiving and accommodating a fastener 817. An upper surface of theinsert 811 can define a concave surface arranged to engage or fit on thedistal end of the prosthetic liner 804.

The insert 811 includes one or more magnets 820 and/or ferromagneticmaterial. The magnets 820 can be disposed in one or more openings 819formed in the upper surface of the insert 811. This allows the magnets820 to be concealed by the insert 811 when the insert 811 is attached tothe prosthetic liner 804 (see FIG. 18 ). In other embodiments, themagnets 820 can be attached to the outer surface of the insert 811 orincorporated into the material forming the insert 811.

As seen in FIG. 25 , the attachment unit 813 includes one or moremagnets 822 and/or ferromagnetic material. The magnets 822 are arrangedto create a magnetic connection between the prosthetic liner 804 (shownin FIG. 18 ) and the socket 801 when the prosthetic liner 804 isinserted into the socket 801. The attachment unit 813 defines a throughopening 821 arranged to receive and accommodate a conventional lockingpin. The attachment unit 813 includes a base part 823 and a removablepart 825 attached to the base part 823. The magnets 822 can includepermanent magnets disposed in openings 827 defined in the removable part825.

When the prosthetic liner 804 is inserted into the socket 801, thedistal end of the prosthetic liner 804 is held against the attachmentunit 813 by magnetic attraction between the insert 811 and theattachment unit 813. This beneficially secures the prosthetic liner 804to the socket 801, improving suspension of the socket 801 on theresidual limb.

The magnetic attraction between the insert 811 and the attachment unit813 can also or alternatively help ensure a proper or correctpositioning of the prosthetic liner 804 in the socket 801. Properpositioning of the prosthetic liner 804 provides a good, comfortable fitand helps prevent or limit undesirable pistoning of the residual limbwithin the socket 801. It can also help ensure that the length of thesocket 801 is sized or adjusted to fit the residual limb.

According to a variation, the magnetic force or attraction between theinsert 811 and the attachment unit 813 can be customized based on theindividual needs of the user. For example, the magnetic strength of themagnets 820, 822 can be selected based on activity level. The level ofmagnetic force can be adjusted by varying the number of magnets and/orthe strength of the magnets 820. In other embodiments, the amount ofmagnetism can be varied by a clinician or user by adding more or lessmagnets or altering the position of the magnets 820, 822 such as in amodular fashion.

It will be appreciated that the magnetic attraction between the insert811 and the attachment unit 813 can be adapted for pure suspension(similar to a locking pin or lanyard) or to maintain the distal end ofthe prosthetic liner 804 in a specific position relative to the base 807of the socket 801. The magnetic attraction between the insert 811 andthe attachment unit 813 can also be an alternative to or used incombination with different attachment or tensioning systems.

Optionally, a hardness of the insert 811 can be selected to produce aclick or knock when it contacts the attachment unit 813, providingaudible feedback to the user that the prosthetic liner 804 is correctlyor properly positioned in the socket 801.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. For instance, in otherembodiments, the insert can be attached to the socket and the attachmentunit can be attached to the prosthetic liner. Moreover, the insert isshown as being attached to the distal end of the prosthetic liner butcan be attached to any suitable portion of the liner.

In other embodiments, the attachment unit can be arranged such thatmovement of the release mechanism in an upward direction or away fromthe base part moves the attachment system toward the unlocked position,releasing the insert. Optionally, the attachment system may include astrap or tab attached to the release mechanism. The strap or tab can bemade of fabric and arranged so that when a user pulls on the strap ortab, the attachment system moves toward the unlocked position. Thisbeneficially requires less dexterity from the user.

In other embodiments, the attachment system of the present disclosurecan be operatively connected to a tensioning system of the socket. Thiscan allow for movement of the release mechanism toward the unlockedposition to trigger a release of tension in the tensioning system, ormovement of the release mechanism toward the locked position to triggeran increase in tension in the tensioning system. This can encourage auser to follow a sequence of steps when doffing or donning the socket,which can benefit users with poor cognition. For instance, this canencourage a user donning the socket to lock the insert into theattachment unit before tensioning the tensioning system. Thisarrangement can also decrease risk of injury to the user as the usercannot use the socket unless it is correctly or properly secured to theliner.

By providing a prosthetic attachment system as shown and describedherein, the problems of existing attachment systems being difficult tooperate, leading to incorrect usage, noise, and safety issues, isovercome by providing a more intuitive, forgiving, and simple connectionbetween a prosthetic liner and the corresponding socket that facilitatesaccurate and secure attachment.

The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, thewords “including,” “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and“has”) as used herein, including the claims, shall be open ended andhave the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof(e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”).

1. A prosthetic socket system comprising: a prosthetic socket arrangedto receive a residual limb and defining a distal end, a proximal end,and an axis extending between the distal and proximal ends; a prostheticliner adapted to provide an interface between the residual limb and theprosthetic socket, the prosthetic liner defining a closed distal end andan open proximal end; and a prosthetic attachment system including: aninsert arranged for connection to the closed distal end of theprosthetic liner, the insert defining a circumferential locking groove;an attachment unit arranged for connection to the distal end of theprosthetic socket, the attachment unit comprising a body defining acentral opening for selectively receiving the insert and carrying atleast one locking element located circumferentially about the axis andradially repositionable relative to the axis; and a release mechanismslidably repositionable on an outer surface of the body to move theprosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which theat least one locking element is radially repositioned to engage thecircumferential locking groove and lock the insert in the centralopening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert isreleased from the central opening.
 2. The prosthetic socket system ofclaim 1, wherein when the prosthetic attachment system is in the lockedconfiguration the release mechanism drives the at least one lockingelement radially inward into engagement with the circumferential lockinggroove to lock the insert in the central opening of the body.
 3. Theprosthetic socket system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanismdefines an inner surface having a lower interior wall arranged to engagethe at least one locking element in the locked configuration and aninclined surface that extends upwardly and radially outward from thelower interior wall, the inclined surface arranged to engage the atleast one locking element in the unlocked configuration.
 4. Theprosthetic socket system of claim 3, wherein engagement between the atleast one locking element and the inclined surface of the releasemechanism is configured to hold the prosthetic attachment system in theunlocked configuration.
 5. The prosthetic socket system of claim 1,wherein the prosthetic socket includes a base and at least onelongitudinal support connected to the base and distributedcircumferentially about the axis.
 6. The prosthetic socket system ofclaim 1, wherein the release mechanism includes at least onemanipulation feature arranged to assist a user in moving the releasemechanism on the body.
 7. The prosthetic socket system of claim 1,wherein the attachment unit includes a stop member arranged such thatwhen the prosthetic attachment system is in an unlocked configuration anouter surface of the stop member engages the at least one lockingelement.
 8. The prosthetic socket system of claim 7, wherein the bodyincludes at least one resilient member arranged to bias the stop memberupwardly within the central opening.
 9. The prosthetic attachment systemof claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient member comprises aplurality of spring members distributed circumferentially about theaxis.
 10. The prosthetic socket system of claim 7, wherein the at leastone resilient member comprises a central spring member.
 11. Theprosthetic socket system of claim 1, wherein the body defines an annularflange surrounding the central opening, the annular flange arranged todirect the insert into the central opening when the prosthetic liner isinserted into the prosthetic socket.
 12. The prosthetic socket system ofclaim 1, wherein the insert is removably attachable to the closed distalend of the prosthetic liner.
 13. The prosthetic socket system of claim1, wherein the attachment unit is removably attachable to the distal endof the prosthetic socket.
 14. The prosthetic socket system of claim 1,wherein the at least one locking element comprises at least one ballbearing.
 15. The prosthetic socket system of claim 1, further comprisingone or more secondary spring members connected to the release mechanism,the one or more secondary spring members arranged to bias the prostheticattachment system toward the unlocked configuration.
 16. A prostheticsocket system comprising: a prosthetic socket arranged to receive aresidual limb and defining a distal end, a proximal end, and an axisextending between the distal and proximal ends, the prosthetic socketincluding a base and at least one longitudinal support connected to thebase and distributed circumferentially about the axis; a prostheticattachment system including: an insert arranged for connection to aprosthetic liner, the insert defining a circumferential locking groove;an attachment unit secured to the base and coaxial with the axis, theattachment unit comprising a body defining a central opening forselectively receiving the insert and carrying a locking element locatedcircumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative tothe axis; and a release mechanism slidably repositionable on an outersurface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between alocked configuration in which the at least one locking element areradially repositioned to engage the circumferential locking groove andlock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlockedconfiguration in which the insert is released from the central opening.17. The prosthetic socket system of claim 16, wherein when theprosthetic attachment system is in the locked configuration the releasemechanism drives the locking element radially inward into engagementwith the circumferential locking groove to lock the insert in thecentral opening of the body.
 18. The prosthetic socket system of claim16, wherein the release mechanism defines an inner surface having alower interior wall arranged to engage the locking element in the lockedconfiguration and an inclined surface that extends upwardly and radiallyoutward from the lower interior wall, the inclined surface arranged toengage the locking element in the unlocked configuration.
 19. Theprosthetic socket system of claim 16, wherein the attachment unitincludes a stop member arranged such that when the prosthetic attachmentsystem is in an unlocked configuration an outer surface of the stopmember engages the locking element; wherein the body includes at leastone resilient member arranged to bias the stop member upwardly withinthe central opening, the at least one resilient member comprises atleast one primary spring member located circumferentially about theaxis.
 20. The prosthetic socket system of claim 16, further comprisingone or more secondary spring members connected to the release mechanism,the one or more secondary spring members arranged to bias the prostheticattachment system toward the unlocked configuration.